If these walls could talk…

By Melissa Chang

Published: 2011.08.11 03:12 AM

Photos by Scott Villard

In yesterday’s blog, I showed you an old home that was completely renovated, but only on the inside. Today’s Diamond Head home, however, is remarkable because it’s been renovated inside and out—the only original things left of the structure are the four walls that hold it up.

It’s technically an older home (at 48 years) since they didn’t tear it down, but there was no reason to do so, since the structure is so unique. (Click here for details.)

“Mr. Yamane, who originally built the home, was the contractor for the Regency at Kahala. So you know this house has good bones,” says realtor Stephen Cipres.

The owners raised the roof in the kitchen to give it a more open feeling, and all the flooring, plumbing, electrical wiring, appliances, counters, and fixtures were replaced. They added various custom elements, then expanded the home another 700 square feet so they could have a fourth bedroom.

While it has a number of unique materials—Ipe hardwood, Sapele wood, and travertine flooring—the thing that caught my eye was the “leather uba tuba countertops.” Cipres says this is a popular new finish; it’s a Brazilian granite with natural imperfections but is still smooth, so it looks like leather.

Rudy Schaefer designed the home itself; Shari Saiki did the interior design. When you walk through the home, you will see Saiki’s furniture and accessory selections, which can be purchased in a separate package.

Outside, the yard has been transformed from old to new with extensive tropical landscaping.

“This is a rare opportunity, too,” Cipres says. “This is only the second home sold on Hakaka St. in the last 20 years.”

About Our Writer

Rachel Ross Bradley is a Realtor-associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai‘i Realty. Raised in Hawai‘i Kai, she previously worked in public relations and marketing where she assisted some of O‘ahu’s biggest community developers, educators and businesses. She loves connecting people and says that real estate is a form of matchmaking. She is mom to three teenagers and an avid runner, and notes that the hour each day of pavement-pounding is the only teen-angst-free peace and quiet she gets all day. rachelb@bhhshawaii.com